June 2015 Newsletter

In this issue...

Truth and Reconciliation

Information Manipulation

Green Rallies 'Round Our Communities

EM at Work for Small Business

Upcoming Events

Truth and Reconciliation

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission's (TRC) report on the ongoing trauma from the residential school system was released last week. The Harper administration’s participation was marked by its virtual silence.

Truth telling begins the process of healing. Reconciliation needs much more. It has never been so important for Canadians to work together for social justice. We can create a diverse Canadian culture of respect, acceptance and understanding, a Canada where all children are valued and treated with compassion.

In Elizabeth's words: "Reconciliation means forging new relationships in the light of this history - extending the respect and equality to First Nations that has been withheld for generations. These recommendations give us the means to work with aboriginal communities to begin to overcome the historical and ongoing injustices of brutal colonialism and cultural genocide. We can, and must, all take action to redress the legacy of residential schools."

Information Manipulation – Denial, Destruction and Diversion

Reduced and privatized access to information, funding cuts to research, and ideology-driven restrictions on communication by federal researchers have attracted global criticism.

Just one example - the closure of seven of eleven Fisheries and Oceans libraries to ‘save’ $473,000. The resulting destruction of centuries worth of scientific documents by this government is incalculable.

The proposed retroactive exemptions for long-gun registry records in the latest omnibus budget bill show another level of information control by the Harper regime. It is worse than we think - Harper wants to rewrite history.

Saanich-Gulf Islands residents want a democratic government that doesn't hide from the truth and doesn't destroy inconvenient evidence. Harper's rejection of the consortium invitation to the leadership debates with the broadest Canadian coverage is more message control and evasion. We can counter the Harper administration's continued efforts to twist reality - we have Elizabeth.

And Elizabeth must be heard. We need her in all 2015 election debates. Elizabeth will ask the hard questions of Harper and opposition leaders. Watch this brief clip for a glimpse of her thoughtful views on power and why this regime must be changed.

Salt Spring Island resident, Tom Mitchell said, "it will go into my memories as being a part of real change unfolding and treasured”.

Another recent Green event was the celebration of Elizabeth’s birthday. Many of the participants at this lovely party on Salt Spring Island were deeply moved by the heartfelt gratitude from Devendra and his family. Devendra's wife Chhering and their baby Dawin were airlifted to India after the Nepal earthquake. Elizabeth and the constituency office kept in touch during the ordeal. They then provided a strong letter of support for the urgent processing and approval of a Visitor's Visa for Chhering to bring her and their Canadian son to Canada. They are continuing this support for an appeal for her permanent residency application. With his family safe in Saanich, Devendra was more than happy to pledge his 2015 vote to Elizabeth. You can too.

The importance of this economic backbone is clear to the Green Party of Canada. Red tape and never-ending paperwork can be barriers to business success. To address this, Elizabeth May introduced a bill for the Creation of the Small Business Impact Assessment Act. If approved, it requires consideration of the impact of legislation, policy and regulations on small businesses.

Victoria business owner, Thomas Teuven says, "owning a small business is more than making money. It's about earning the trust and respect of the community, reaching for excellence, working hard to make your dream a reality, and building a better future for our children. I support Elizabeth and the Green Party because they share these values."

Upcoming Events

Today: Local/Provincial/Federal Forum, Salt Spring Middle School, Saturday June 13th at 4 pm, Salt Spring IslandPoliticians Elizabeth May, Gary Holman, Wayne McIntyre and Peter Grove meet with community leaders and activists. This is an opportunity to hear government together dealing with questions from ten island organizations about their most important projects and concerns. More information here. This event will be followed by Elizabeth May's Summer Town Hall for Salt Spring Island.

When: Saturday, June 13th at 4pm, followed by Elizabeth May's Town Hall at 7 pmWhere: Salt Spring Middle School

Summer Town Halls with Elizabeth May, June 12th to July 14th, across Saanich-Gulf IslandsCanada’s hardest working MP continues to reach out and listen to her constituents. See Elizabeth’s schedule for a Town Hall near you.

March with the Greens at Victoria Pride Parade, Sunday July 5th at 11 am, Victoria

Join Elizabeth May and the Green Party in marching in Victoria’s Pride Parade! People of all sexual orientations and gender identities are invited to join together in a celebration of diversity. More information here.

When: Sunday July 5th at 11amWhere: Starting at Government and Pandora, Victoria

Photo: 2014 Pride Parade Victoria

Saanich-Gulf Islands AGM & Reception with Elizabeth May, Sunday July 5th at 4 pm, SidneyCalling all Green Party members and prospective members to join us for the 2015 AGM for the Green Saanich-Gulf Islands Electoral District Association. The AGM will be followed by a reception with Elizabeth May, who will provide highlights from her first four years as MP for Saanich-Gulf Islands. Please RVSP.